Frodo smiled when Chester came back. The second the Sussex Spaniel bounded past the open gate and rushed up to him, Frodo knelt and petted the dog, just like he was greeting an old friend. The gentle-hobbit laughed. It was good to see his dog again.
Rosie chuckled. Honestly, what was so funny?
"What?" Frodo asked, glancing up at her.
"You and Chester make quite the team," Rosie answered, smiling.
Frodo chuckled, returning his gaze to his dog. He smiled when Chester cocked his head at him, as if he were trying to figure out something. Frodo didn't mind. He understood why his dog was confused or curious! Either way, things were working out in their favor.
"Well, I'll take you out for a walk," Frodo told his dog, eagerly. "Would you like that?"
"Rolf!" Chester barked in agreement.
"Alright," Frodo said, brandishing Chester's leash and strapping it to his dog's collar. He turned to Rosie, telling her promptly, "I'm going to take Chester out. Don't worry. I won't be long."
"Well, you don't want to miss your lunch," Rosie said, understanding.
Frodo nodded. He turned to Chester. "Do you want to go for a short walk? We'll head to the mailbox. I've got to each lunch, too, you know?" He rubbed Chester's chin, allowing the dog to rest his big furry paw on his arm. "Come on." He wandered down the stone steps, taking Chester with him.
.
The second Frodo had his mail, and allowed Chester to do his business, he led the dog back up the steps and inside Bag End. The moment he was back in the house, he closed the door, released his dog, washed his hands, and prepared his meal. He was relieved that Rosie was baking a or he wouldn't have gotten a bigger meal. Still, he was glad when Rosie joined him, eating her lunch as well.
He didn't plan on Chester sniffing for more food.
"Down!" Frodo commanded.
"Rolf, rolf!" Chester barked, getting off the table and moving to a sitting position. Frodo shook his head. His dog had a knack for begging. Maybe it was time for table scraps.
"Frodo," Rosie got his attention, "you do a good job taking care of your dog. Giving him table scraps…." She shook her head, "….even my father doesn't let his dogs eat table scraps. It just wouldn't do!"
"What? I always do this!" Frodo admitted, serious. "Besides, I think he likes me better this way."
"Wow! You really are something," Rosie said, returning to her meal.
"You're welcome," Frodo said, cheekily, passing some meat to his dog. He chuckled, watching Chester dowse his morsel like it was nothing. In seconds, the meat was gone and Chester was begging again. Frodo smiled, glad his dog was satisfied. "See? You're a good dog!"
"Rolf!" Chester begged.
"If you keep feeding him that much, he's going to get a fat belly," Rosie admitted.
"He's fine," Frodo said, smiling at his dog. "You're fine!"
"Rolf! Rolf!" Chester barked in reply.
Frodo laughed merrily. It was a blessed day, one he wouldn't forget anytime soon.